A London trainee GP has been beaten and withheld hostage by her family who are forcibly trying to marry her to a stranger in Bangladesh.

Dr Humayra Abedin, who has remained a prisoner since August by her parents, is believed to have been gagged, tied and violently struck to make her submit to her parents’ wishes.

The 33-year-old had trained as a doctor in Bangladesh and arrived in England to pursue her studies at Leeds University, reports the Independent.

Dr. Abedin, who had made East London her home while working in hospitals since 2002, is said to have developed a close bond with a Hindu Bangladeshi man – an act vehemently opposed by her Muslim family.

She had been baited to fly to Dhaka on the pretext of her mother’s illness where the family has ignored orders from the Bangladeshi high court to release their girl.

The daughter of a retired businessman and a housewife has been held captive since August 5 while being denied any contact with friends or attorneys though she managed to send an email to a close pal describing her plight.

Anne-Marie Hutchinson, the barrister from Renaissance Chambers acting for Dr Abedin, said: There are real concerns for the safety of this young woman. These proceedings will not end until she is produced.

If we are too late and she has been married, it [the Forced Marriage Act] will help us to bring nullity proceedings for her.